Tchoukball-Tchoukball to provide a new range of physical activities |01 June 2012
An initiative of the Seychelles Scouts Association (SSA), the sport will provide a new range of physical activities and also promote a harmonious society.
Féderation Internationale de Tchoukball (FITB) instructor Brazilian Julio Calegari, who is also the federation’s director for international promotion, is the one responsible to teach and spread the sport locally and he had an informal introduction session of tchoukball with the students of the Independent School on Wednesday afternoon.
Holbert Jean, the International Relation Commissioner of the SSA was also present at the first session which gathered a large group of students.
Mr Jean said after coach Calegari approached the Liaison Unit of Non-governmental Organisations of Seychelles (Lungos) with his project to introduce the sport locally, the SSA took the responsibility to organise sessions with physical education teachers and youth workers who failed to show any interest.
He explained that Seychelles is very lucky to have Mr Calegari as instructor, as he visits the country on a regular basis, due to his work as cabin crew with Etihad Airways.
Mr Jean also expressed his appreciation to the management of the Independent School for welcoming coach Calegari on his first session.
Very enthusiastic to teach, coach Calegari said once the sport is settled locally and a federation is set up, help, both in terms of training and equipment, will be provided by the 
Tchoukball can be played both inside and outside and the official court is 27 metres by 16 metres.
At each end there is a ‘frame’ – a device similar to a trampoline off which the ball bounces – which measures one square metre and a semicircular D-shaped forbidden zone with a three-metre radius.
Each team can score on both ends on the field, and comprises twelve players, of which seven may be on the court at any one time.
In order to score a point, the ball must be thrown by an attacking player, hit the frame and bounce outside the 'D' without being caught by the defending team. Physical contact is prohibited, and defenders may not attempt to intercept the attacking team's passes.
Players may take three steps with the ball, hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds, and teams may not pass the ball more than three times before shooting at the frame.
Tchoukball has become an international sport, played in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Macau, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United States. It is governed by the FITB, founded in 1971.